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DIY Gardener | 2005-09-22
Cedar Creek Woodshop | Viewed 1294 times | Print Version

Nominal Size - Refers to the size of a piece of lumber before it is dressed and seasoned. It is used to designate a particular size piece of lumber, such as 2x4, 2x6, etc.

Actual Size - Refers to minimum acceptable size after it has been dressed and seasoned. A nominal 2x4 can have a minimum actual size of 1.5 in. x 3.5 in. When referring to a specific piece of lumber, the nominal size is used.

Size Chart For Framing Lumber

Nominal Size	Actual Size
2 x 2	1 1/2 x 1 1/2
2 x 3	1 1/2 x 2 1/2
2 x 4	1 1/2 x 3 1/2
2 x 6	1 1/2 x 5 1/2
2 x 8	1 1/2 x 7 1/4
2 x 10	1 1/2 x 9 1/4
2 x 12	1 1/2 x 11 1/4
4 x 4	3 1/2 x 3 1/2
4 x 6	3 1/2 x 5 1/2
4 x 10	3 1/2 x 9 1/4
6 x 6	5 1/2 x 5 1/2

Boards

Nominal Size	Actual Size
1 x 2	3/4 x 1 1/2
1 x 3	3/4 x 2 1/2
1 x 4	3/4 x 3 1/2
1 x 5	3/4 x 4 1/2
1 x 6	3/4 x 5 1/2
1 x 8	3/4 x 7 1/4
1 x 10	3/4 x 9 1/4
1 x 12	3/4 x 11 1/4

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